She also said freedom of speech cannot be used to defend Duterte’s statement, as it has limitations and should not be used to disrespect Filipinos.

In a speech in Mandaue City, Cebu on Thursday (August 30), Duterte said there would always be rape cases in a place where “there are many beautiful women.”

Amid criticism from women’s rights groups and some opposition politikos, Duterte invoked freedom of speech in defending his remark.

The Malacañang also previously shielded Duterte from criticism, saying that the public should not give “too much weight” on a “joke.”

According to data from the Philippine National Police, Davao City, recorded the most number of rape cases in the second quarter of 2018, with cops counting 42.

Duterte, who has been hit for misogynistic remarks, has previously made jokes about rape, including one during the campaign trail where he said he should have been the first to rape a “very beautiful” Australian missionary.

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